Dual access vehicle storage assembly

ABSTRACT

A vehicle storage assembly can cover a vehicle storage area such as an interior console or a cargo box. The storage assembly can include a base and a lid. The lid can be opened from two sides to allow easy access for a driver and passengers to an interior storage compartment. The base includes at least two rods, which can act as axles for the lid to pivot about. The lid includes at least one rotation member or guide which can be released from the rod only when the lid is in a desired position, for example, a closed position. The lid can include a latch for each rod. The lid can have a lock to secure one or both of the latches with the lid in a closed position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/031,688, entitled “Dual Access Vehicle Storage Assembly,” filed onFeb. 14, 2008, which is related to and claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/901,471, entitled “Dual AccessVehicle Console Lid,” filed on Feb. 14, 2007.

The above-referenced U.S. Provisional Patent Application and U.S. PatentApplication are expressly incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties and made a part of the present specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This application relates to storage compartments, more specifically tovehicle consoles having lids.

2. Description of the Related Art

Vehicles typically include a storage space in a console between thefront driver and passenger seats. In many vehicles, the console has acover to protect the interior of the space or conceal items storedtherein. In some cars, the storage space can have a rectangularperimeter at the top, though the storage space might have a differentcross-sectional shape beneath the top perimeter. For this reason, it cansometimes be difficult to pass objects correctly-sized for the storagespace through the top perimeter, particularly when the cover attachmentscan further narrow the perimeter. Some covers are comfortably padded ontop to act as an armrest for the driver or passenger. Some coversinstead have a flat surface, attempting to help the console storage lidmatch the typically smooth and featureless console of some vehicles.

Some console covers open by lifting the front of the cover, relative tothe vehicle, to rotate the cover on hinges disposed at the rear of thecover. The hinges at the rear of the cover rotatably couple the cover tothe console. When in an opened configuration, the cover is rotatedupwards, to an approximately vertical position at the rear of thestorage console. Thus, the storage compartment is difficult to accessfrom the rear seats.

Additionally, some covers are constructed with hinges on the passengerside of the top perimeter, resulting in a console storage cover that islifted by the driver on the driver's side, rotating the cover to aposition that inhibits access to the storage space from the passengerside

Attempts have been made to develop a storage console that can be openedfrom either side. However, these attempts have resulted in certainmechanisms that fail to operate smoothly and complex mechanisms whichare difficult and expensive to manufacture and assemble.

Thus, there is a need for a console storage space cover that allowsaccess without necessarily inhibiting access to a vehicle occupant in anopen position. Additionally, a need exists for a cover which can permitobjects to enter the storage space without constricting the opening.Additionally, a need exists for a simple, easy to manufacture mechanismthat provides reliable access to a vehicle storage compartment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In various embodiments, vehicle storage assemblies are described hereinthat can overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

In some embodiments, a vehicle storage assembly can comprise a base, afirst engagement rod, a second engagement rod, and a lid. The basedefines a storage space. The base defines a first side and a secondside. The first engagement rod is disposed along the first side of thebase and defines a generally cylindrical first pivot surface. The firstpivot surface defines an axis and at least one release surface recessedfrom the first pivot surface. The second engagement rod is disposedalong the second side of the base and defines a generally cylindricalsecond pivot surface. The second pivot surface defines an axis and atleast one release surface recessed from the second pivot surface. Thelid comprises at least a first side and a second side. Each of saidfirst side and said second side of the lid comprise at least one pivotdefining a generally cylindrical pivot surface. Each of said pivotsdefines an opening which cooperates with said release surface of one ofsaid engagement rods to permit said engagement rod to disengage fromsaid pivot through said opening, so that the lid is disengagable fromthe first side of the base through rotation about the axis of the firstengagement rod and disengagable from the second side of the base throughrotation about the axis of the second pivot rod. In some embodiments,the release surface is configured such that the engagement rod isdisengageable through the opening without bending said pivot. In someembodiments, the first side of said base and said second side of saidbase are parallel. In some embodiments, the lid is disengagablesimultaneously from the first engagement rod and the second engagementrod.

In some embodiments, vehicle storage assembly comprises a base, a firstengagement rod, a second engagement rod, and a cover. The base defines astorage space, a first side, and a second side. The first engagement rodis disposed along said first side of said base and defines a generallycylindrical first pivot surface defining an axis and at least onerelease surface recessed from said first pivot surface. The secondengagement rod is disposed along said second side of said base anddefines a generally cylindrical second pivot surface defining an axisand at least one release surface recessed from said second pivotsurface. The cover comprises at least a first side and a second side.Each of said first side and said second side comprise at least one pivotdefining a generally cylindrical second pivot surface. Each of saidpivot defines an opening which cooperates with said release surface ofone of said engagement rods to permit said engagement rod to disengagefrom said pivot through said opening, so that said cover is disengagablefrom said first side of said base through rotation about said axis ofsaid first engagement rod and disengagable from said second side of saidbase through rotation about said axis of said second pivot rod.

In some embodiments, a storage compartment comprises a base, and acover. The base comprises at least two engagement rods. The covercomprises a first latch, a first guide, a second latch, a second guide,and a lock mechanism. The first latch is configured to selectivelyengage one of the plurality of engagement rods. The first guide islinearly displaced from the first latch and configured to rotatablycouple to one of the plurality of engagement rods. The second latch isconfigured to selectively engage another of the plurality of engagementrods. The second guide is linearly displaced from the second latch andconfigured to rotatably couple the other of the plurality of engagementrods. The lock mechanism is configured to selectively engage both thefirst latch and the second latch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicleconsole storage cover.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle console storagecover of FIG. 1 from a reverse angle.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a base of the vehicle consolestorage cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a top side of an embodiment ofa lid of the vehicle console storage cover of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the bottom of the lid of FIG.4.

FIG. 6 illustrates perspective view of another a top side of anembodiment of a lid of a vehicle console storage cover.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the bottom of the lid of FIG.6.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an accessoryholder.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of bridging tray.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of avehicle console storage cover.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle console storagecover of FIG. 10 from a reverse angle.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a base of the vehicle consolestorage cover of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a top side of an embodiment ofa lid of the vehicle console storage cover of FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of the bottom of the lid of FIG.13.

FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 13 withthe lock in a locked position.

FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 13 withthe lock in an unlocked position.

FIG. 17 illustrates a cross sectional view of the lid of FIG. 13 in anopen position.

FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 13 in apartially open position.

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of avehicle console cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Cover for a VehicleStorage Assembly

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an embodiment of a cover 10 for a vehicle storagespace. The cover 10 can be mounted on an upper perimeter of a storagespace. The cover 10 can comprise a base 30 and a lid 50. When positionedin a vehicle, the base 30 can be secured to the upper perimeter of theconsole storage space. For example, the base 30 can be secured withfasteners such as screws, tacks, rivets, secured with adhesive glue,epoxy, or tape, or secured through interference fit of mating featuresof the base 30 and storage console. The lid 50 can be coupled to thebase 30. While the console is discussed in certain embodiments in thecontext of a storage console within an automobile, such as for example,a storage console between two seats in an automobile, in otherembodiments, the cover 10 can be used in conjunction with other storageboxes for vehicles, such as, for example cargo boxes for pick-up trucks.

Base of the Cover

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the base 30 can comprise a supportperimeter 32. In some embodiments, the support perimeter comprises asubstantially rectangular frame. In some embodiments, the supportperimeter 32 can comprise an assembly of four beams to form arectangular frame. In other embodiments, the support perimeter 32 cancomprise a unitary rectangular frame. While the illustrated embodimentsinclude a generally rectangular support frame, in some embodiments, thesupport frame can have a different configuration, such as, for example,a trapezoidal shape. In some embodiments, the support perimeter 32 canbe mountable to a vehicle storage console as noted above with respect tothe base 30. In other embodiments, the support perimeter can beintegrally formed with the storage console. In about the opening to thestorage space of whatever material is used for the console. In someembodiments, the support perimeter 32 can be shaped separately from anyappropriate material, such as a plastic, wood, metal, composite, orceramic.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, the base 30 can include aplurality of mounting rods 34, 36. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, the base 30 comprises a first mounting rod 34 and a secondmounting rod 36. In some embodiments, the mounting rods can be coupledto the support perimeter 32, such as with brackets 38. In someembodiments, the mounting rods 34, 36 can be supported byintegrally-formed portions of the perimeter 32 configured to receive themounting rods 34, 36. In other embodiments, the mounting rods can beintegrally formed with the support perimeter 32. In some embodiments,the mounting rods 34, 36 can be constructed of a metal or metal alloy.In other embodiments, the mounting rods 34, 36 can be constructed ofother materials, including without limitation, plastic materials,polymeric materials, composites, or ceramics. Desirably, the mountingrods 34, 36 can comprise a material having a relatively low coefficientof friction. Thus, it can be desirable for metallic mounting rods 34, 36to have a relatively smooth surface finish over at least a portion ofthe rods 34, 36.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, the mounting rods 34, 36 candefine axes of rotation of the lid 50 of the vehicle storage consolecover 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting rods 34, 36 aredisposed along the lateral sides 56, 58 of the perimeter 32. Thus, asfurther described below, the lid 50 can be opened from either side,allowing easy access to an interior space of the storage compartment bythe driver, front seat passenger, or rear seat passengers.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, in the illustrated embodiment,the rods 34, 36 are sized to extend along substantially the entirelengths of lateral sides 56, 58 of the perimeter 32. In otherembodiments, the rods can be placed as smaller separate rod segmentspositioned at particular locations along the lateral sides 56, 58.

Lid of the Vehicle Console Cover

With reference to FIGS. 4-5 one embodiment of a lid 50 for the vehicleconsole cover 10 is illustrated. As can be seen in the illustratedembodiment, the lid 50 can have a substantially rectangular shape. Insome embodiments, the lid 50 can be a generally rectangular shape havingslightly curved sides. In other embodiments, the lid 50 can have othergeometric configurations, such as, for example, a generally trapezoidalshape.

With continued reference to FIGS. 4-5, in some embodiments, the lid 50can be formed to have a recessed surface underside, as in theillustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the lid 50 can present asubstantially uniform surface on each side. In some embodiments, anupper surface of the lid can be curved or contoured. Such a curved orcontoured surface can be desirable for use as an armrest.

In some embodiments, the lid 50 can be upholstered or otherwise coveredwith a fabric, leather, vinyl, or other covering. In some embodiments,the lid 50 can include foam or other padding to form a cushion. The lid50 can desirably be covered a material that coordinates with theupholstery of a vehicle.

In certain embodiments, the lid 50 can have accessories integratedtherewith. For example, in some embodiments, one or more cupholders canbe formed in the lid. In other embodiments, electronic accessories, suchas a speakerphone device with an attachment for a mobile phone orcalculator can be integrated into the lid 50.

With reference to FIGS. 4-5, the lid 50 can comprise one or morerotation members 60 along the underside. The rotation members 60 can beintegrally formed with the lid 50. In other embodiments, the rotationmembers 60 can be mounted to the lid 50. In the illustrated embodiment,the rotation members 60 extend downward from a lower surface of the lid50. The rotation members can be shaped to receive a portion of themounting rod 34, 36 such that the lid 50 can be removably coupled to themounting rods 34, 36. The rotation members 60 can desirably beconfigured to rotatably couple the lid 50 to the mounting rods, suchthat the mounting rods 34, 36 each define an axis of rotation of the lid50 with respect to the base 30 of the storage console cover 10.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the illustrated embodiment, therotation members 60 can be shaped to partially encircle a mounting rod34, 36. Each rotation member 60 can have an opening sized to permit themounting rods 34, 36 to couple and decouple from the rotation members60. In some embodiments, the rotation members 60 and mounting rods 34,36 are configured such that the rotation members can only decouple fromthe mounting rods in a particular relative rotational position. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, portions of the mounting rods34, 36, for example, the brackets 38, where the rotation members 60couple and decouple are substantially cylindrical with a flat surface 37oriented vertically with respect to the base 30. The flat surfaces 37are recessed from the projection of the generally cylindrical surface ofthe mounting rods 34, 36 and brackets 38. Thus, when the lid 50 is in aclosed position, either side of the lid 50 can be raised, separatingrotation members from one of the mounting rods 34, 36. In theillustrated embodiment, as one side is lifted, the rotation members 60on the opposite side will rotate from the flat surface of the mountingrod 34, 36 onto the substantially cylindrical portion, and are no longerreleasable from the mounting rod 34, 36. Accordingly, once the lid isinitially opened, one lateral edge of the lid can be securely retainedby a mounting rod.

With continued reference to FIGS. 4-5, the lid 50 can further compriseone or more latches 52, 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the latchesare disposed along the lateral sides of the lid 50 such that the lid 50can be opened from either side. The latches 52, 54 can be configured toselectively engage the mounting rods 34, 36 to selectively secure a sideof the lid 50 to the base 30. For example, when the lid 50 is in aclosed position, both latches 52, 54 can engage a corresponding mountingrod 34, 36. When a user desires to open the lid 50, the user can releaseone latch 52, by, for example, depressing a catch member to release thelatch 52 from the mounting rod 36. The user can then pivot the lid 50about the opposite latch 54 and rotation members 60 with respect to thebase 30 on a mounting rod 34. The lid 50 can be opened from either sideby selecting a latch 52, 54 to open. The latches 52, 54 are desirablybiased, such as with springs or flexible biasing members, to engage themounting rods 34, 36. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the lid 50can only be opened once a latch 52, 54 is released by overcoming thebias.

The latches 52, 54 can be of any type suitable to engage the mountingrod 34, 36 or a portion of a mounting rod 34, 36. In some embodiments,the latches 52, 54 do not couple directly to the mounting rod 34, 36 orportion thereof, but engage a portion of the perimeter 32 appropriatelyshaped to receive the latch 52, 54.

The lid 50 can be rotated open once a latch 52, 54 is released. The lid50 can rotate about either mounting rod 34, 36 at the location of therotation members 60 and one of the latches 52, 54. Accordingly, when thefirst latch 52 is released, the lid 50 can be rotated open around thefirst mounting rod 34, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in the illustratedembodiment, the first lateral side 56 of the lid 50 containing the firstlatch 52 can be raised, thus allowing access to the storage compartmentby a user. As shown in FIG. 2, the second latch 54, disposed in thesecond lateral side 58 of the lid 50 can be released, and the lidrotated around the second mounting rod 36. Thus, either lateral side 56,58 of the lid 50 can be opened, allowing access to the console storagespace from either the driver or passenger side of a vehicle.Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the lid 50 is not rotatedtowards the back of the vehicle. Thus, advantageously access from therear seats to the storage space is not inhibited.

In some embodiments, the lid 50 can be completely removed from the base30 by decoupling the latches 52, 54 from the mounting rods 34, 36 when.For example, from the closed position, both latches 52, 54 can bereleased and the lid moved upwards away from the perimeter 32.Advantageously, with the lid 50 removed, a user can use the storageconsole to store oversized items or can have enhanced access to cleanthe storage console, base 30, and lid 50. The rotation members 60 andthe rods 34, 36 can be shaped to allow the rods 34, 36 to decouple fromthe encircling portion of the members 60 when the lid 50 is positionedlevel across the base 30. For example, the rods 34, 36 can include flatsurfaces 37 that are recessed from the projection of the generallycylindrical surface to allow the rotation members 60 to decouple atcertain orientations (see FIG. 18). Thus, from a closed position, thelid 50 can be completely decoupled from the base 30 by disengaging thelatches 52, 54 and lifting upwards.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, in some embodiments, the lid 50 caninclude at least one substantially flat surface 80. The flat surface 80can occupy a portion of the lid 50 top, as shown in the illustratedembodiment, or the entire lid 50 can have a flat surface, (as shown inthe embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7). When decoupled from thebase 30, the lid 50 can desirably serve various functions including awriting tablet or as a flat surface for supporting objects.

In some embodiments, a portion of the lid 50 can be detached from thelid. In some embodiments, the detachable portion can include anaccessory, such as a microphone or speakerphone portion for use with amobile phone.

While the embodiment of vehicle storage console cover 10 illustrated inFIGS. 1-5 depicts a lid having two axes of rotation, each generallyparallel to a lateral edge of the lid 50, other embodiments can haveother opening configurations. For example, in other embodiments,additional mounting rods can be mounted along the front and/or rearsides of the perimeter 32, and additional latches disposed in the lid50, permitting the lid 50 to be disengaged from any of mounting rods androtated about an opposite mounting rod. Accordingly, the lid 50 can berotated around any of the four sides of the perimeter 32, and thestorage space can be easily accessed from any location in the vehicle.In some embodiments, the mounting rods can be located on at least twoadjacent sides of the base 30 rather than on opposing sides of theperimeter 32 (as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5). In these embodiments, theconfiguration of mounting rods permits the lid 50 to be opened in atleast two directions, ninety degrees apart. In one non-limiting example,the lid 50 can be adapted to open from a vehicle's driver's side of theconsole and the front of the console. In some embodiments, the mountingrods are positioned such that the lid 50 can be opened from any of threedirections. In one non-limiting example, the lid 50 can be opened from avehicle's driver's side, passenger side, and the front side. It may bedesirable, in some embodiments of console cover, that one or morelatches engage the perimeter 32 of the base 30 rather than a mountingrod. For example, a console cover as described above which can be openedfrom any of three directions can include three mounting rods. In thisembodiment, a latch opposite one of the mounting rods does not have anunderlying mounting rod to engage, and can be configured to engage thesupport perimeter.

Another embodiment of the lid 50′ is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Except forprime marks (′), the component numerals refer to similar components asthose described in FIGS. 1-5. As can be seen, the lid 50′ can be shapedto have a flat surface 57 across a large portion of the upper side. Insome embodiments, the flat surface 57 can be a solid portion, and thelid 50′ can have a flat underside 59 as well. In those embodiments wherepadding or other fabric are attached to at least a portion of the top ofthe lid 50′, the flat underside 59 can be used when the lid 50′ isdetached from the base 30 for those functions in which the flat surface57 might otherwise be used.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 8, and 9, additional components, such as anaccessory clip 82 or bridging tray 90 can be disposed in the cover 10.The clip 82 can be mounted on a rod 34, 36. Similarly, the bridging tray90 can be coupled with at least one mounting rod 34, 36.

As shown in FIG. 8, an embodiment of the accessory clip 82 can include ahook member 84 shaped to couple with a mounting rod 34, 36. The hookmember 84 can have an interference fit, permitting the clip 82 to remainengaged with the rod 34, 36 once attached. Additionally, the hook member84 can be shaped similar to the rotation member 60, permitting the clip82 to rotate around the mounting rod 34, 36.

The hook member 84 can support a holster or clip support member 86. Insome embodiments, the support member 86 can be adapted to receive, forexample, a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, a mobileemail device, a PDA, or a portable music player. In other non-limitingexamples, the accessory clip 82 can be adapted to receive one or morewriting instruments or a disposable tissue dispenser. Advantageously,one or more accessory clips 82 can be positioned in various locations inthe storage console cover 10, allowing the storage console to be usedefficiently to store various items.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a bridging tray 90. The tray 90 canhave engagement members 92 to releasably engage the mounting rods 34,36, as shown in FIG. 1. The engagement members 92 can be similar to therotation members 60, permitting them to be of an appropriate shape toengage a mounting rod 34, 36. Accordingly, the tray 90 can be disposedacross the interior of the cover 10, spanning between the first mountingrod 34 to the second mounting rod 36. The engagement members 92 can bereleasably coupled to mounting rods 34, 36, allowing for repositioningof or removal of the tray 90 if desired. The tray 90 can comprise atleast one storage portion 94. The storage portion 94 can be at leastpartially surrounded by the walls of the tray 90, inhibiting itemsplaced in the tray 90 from falling into the storage space below. In someembodiments, a second storage portion 96 can created when a partition 98is formed in the tray 90. In some embodiments, the partition 98 can beremovable, desirably allowing the tray to be selectively configured tohave a single relatively large storage portion or two smaller storageportions.

Vehicle Console Cover with Locking Lid

With reference to FIGS. 10-19, an embodiment of dual access vehicleconsole cover with a locking lid is illustrated. FIGS. 10-18 illustratean embodiment of a cover 10′ for a vehicle console storage space. Thecover 10′ can be mounted on an upper perimeter of a storage space. Thecover 10′ can be similar to the embodiment of cover 10 illustrated inFIGS. 1-5, but include a lock mechanism 100. The cover 10′ can comprisea base 30 and a lid 50″. When positioned in a vehicle, the base 30 canbe secured to the upper perimeter of the console storage space. Forexample, the base 30 can be secured with fasteners such as screws,tacks, rivets, secured with adhesive glue, epoxy, or tape, or securedthrough interference fit of mating features of the base 30 and storageconsole. The lid 50″ can be coupled to the base 30. With reference toFIGS. 10-12, the base 30 can be substantially similar to the base 30described above with reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5. In otherembodiments, a cover 10′ with a locking lid 50″ can have a base with adifferent configuration. For example, other shapes or heights of basecan be used with a locking lid 50″.

With reference to FIGS. 10-11 and 13-16, the lid 50″ can include alocking mechanism 100 that can be configured to actuate both latches52″, 54″. Advantageously, a locking lid for a vehicle storage consolecan provide additional security for items stored in a vehicle's storageconsole. In addition, a locking console cover can be desirable for astorage console such as a pick-up truck bed cargo box. In theillustrated embodiment, the lock mechanism 100 can be configured to lockand unlock both latches 52″, 54″ simultaneously. In other embodiments,the lock mechanism 100 can be configured to selectively unlock one ofthe latches 52″, 54″, thus allowing the dual access console cover 10′ tobe locked into a single axis operation mode. In other embodiments, eachlatch 52, 52′, 54, 54′ (FIGS. 1-2, 4-7) can include a lock mechanismthat can include none, some, or all of the aspects described herein withrespect to the illustrated lock mechanism 100.

With continued reference to FIGS. 10-11 and 13-16, in the illustratedembodiment, the lock mechanism 100 comprises a lock cylinder 102 and anactuation member 104. A key receiving unit 106 can be coupled to thelock cylinder 102. The lock can be configured such that when a key isinserted into the key receiving unit 106, the key can be rotated torotate the lock cylinder 102. The lock cylinder 102 is coupled to theactuation member 104, which is likewise rotated as the lock cylinder 102is rotated. As illustrated, the actuation member 104 has a substantiallyU shape comprising a base portion to which the lock cylinder is coupledand two lateral extensions. As the lock cylinder is rotated, theactuation member can be rotated between a locked position in which thelateral extensions are oriented towards the lateral edges of the lid 50″(see, e.g., FIG. 15) and an unlocked position in which the lateralextensions are oriented substantially longitudinally with respect to acentral longitudinal axis of the lid 50″. In the illustrated embodiment,the lock mechanism 100 can be a pin-tumbler lock such that insertion ofa properly-cut key into the key receiving unit 106 rotationally freesthe lock cylinder 102. In other embodiments, other types of lockmechanism can be used, including other mechanical locks orelectronically actuated locks.

With continued reference to FIGS. 10-11 and 13-16, the lock mechanism100 can be rotated to a locked position (FIG. 15) in which both latches52″, 24″ are latched about the mounting rods 34, 36 to prevent the lid50″ from rotating about either axis. As illustrated in FIG. 15, in thelocked position, the actuation member 104 is positioned such that thelateral extensions are oriented towards lateral edges of the lid 50″.Rotation of the lateral extensions into this outward orientationadvances retention members 108 over the mounting rods 34, 36 of the base30. The lock mechanism 100 can further comprise pushrods 112 to couplethe actuation member 104 to the retention members 108. In someembodiments, the pushrods 112 can be integrally formed with theretention members 108, for example, by a molding process. In otherembodiments, the pushrods 112 can be separate from the retention members108 and can be formed of different materials.

With reference to FIG. 15, with the lock mechanism 100 in the lockedposition, the retention members 108 are positioned at least partiallyaround the mounting rods 34, 36, and interfere with rotation of the lid50″ about either of the rotational axes. Desirably, the retentionmembers 108 are configured to extend sufficiently around the mountingrods 34, 36 in a locked position to prevent undesired opening of the lid50″, but are retractable from the mounting rods 34, 36 in an openposition to allow easy opening of the lid 50″. Also, desirably, theretention members 108 are configured to allow locking of the lid 50″even when the lid may be slightly open or out of alignment with the base30.

With reference to FIGS. 15-16, in some embodiments, an angle, a formedbetween a plane of the lid 50″ and the retention member 108 can bebetween approximately 15-65 degrees, desirably, the angle, a can bebetween 24 and 45 degrees, more desirably, between 30-40 degrees. Whilevarious configurations of retention members 108 are discussed herein inthe context of a locking lid 50″, it is contemplated that the geometriesand configurations discussed with respect to these embodiments can beused in latches 52, 52′, 54, 54′ as discussed herein with respect toother embodiments of lid 50, 50′.

To provide additional security to the lock mechanism 100, the lid 50″can comprise at least one rod support 110 positioned adjacent one of thelatches 52″, 54″ to prevent the mounting rods 34, 36 from flexing orbowing if an attempt is made to open the lid 50″ when the storageconsole cover 10′ is locked. In some embodiments, the rod support 110can comprise a protrusion that is integrally formed with the lid 50″,such as by molding. In other embodiments, the rod support 110 can becoupled to the lid 50″ such as by a fastener, welding operation, oradhesive, and can be constructed of a different material than the lid50″.

With reference to FIG. 16, the lid 50″ is illustrated with the lockcylinder 102 rotated into an unlocked position. As illustrated, rotatingthe lock cylinder 102 rotates the actuation member 104 into an unlockedposition such that the lateral extensions thereof are positionedsubstantially longitudinally with respect to a central longitudinal axisof the lid 50″. Desirably, the lock mechanism can include a biasingmember such as a spring to bias the retention members 108 and pushrods112 into the unlocked position such that the retention members retractfrom the mounting rods 34, 36 when the lock mechanism is unlocked. Oncethe retention members 108 have been withdrawn from the mounting rods 34,36, either side of the lid 50″ can be lifted to open the lid about anaxis.

Advantageously, the lid 50″ illustrated in FIGS. 10-16 can be openedfrom either side from the unlocked position. With the lock mechanism 100in an unlocked position, the lid 50″ can be opened without the userreleasing an additional latch. Thus, a user could leave the lid 50″ inan unlocked configuration and easily access contents of the storageconsole from either side without having to operate a latch mechanism.This ease of access can enhance the convenience of this storage consolecover 10′ to a user. Also, since the lid 50″ can be operated without theuse of user operable latches on each side, the lid can have a sleek,contoured, aesthetically pleasing profile.

The lock mechanism can be configured to operate with a minimum ofbinding or sticking. Desirably, the lateral extensions of the actuationmember 104 can include beveled, angled, or radiused edges such that whenrotating the actuation member 104, it smoothly engages the pushrods 112without binding the extension or retraction of the retention members 108as the lock mechanism is locked or unlocked. In the illustratedembodiments, the actuation member 104 has radiused edges (see FIGS. 10,14). In other embodiments, other configurations of actuation member 104can reduce the risk of binding, or the pushrod 112 can be configuredwith radiused edges to reduce binding. In some embodiments, theretention members 108, pushrods 112, and biasing members can be enclosedwithin a housing (FIG. 14) such that contents of the storage console donot interfere with operation of the lock mechanism. In some embodiments,the lock mechanism can include guide members or passageways, for exampleformed in a housing (FIG. 14) such that the pushrods 112 and retentionmembers 108 do not bind during locking and unlocking operations.

With reference to FIGS. 17-18, the operation of the rotational members60 on the rods 34, 36 is illustrated in a fully opened and partiallyposition. As indicated, when the lid is initially opened, rotationalmembers 60 can disengage from a mounting rod 34, due to the size andorientation of the flat portion 37 formed in the projection of thegenerally cylindrical profile of the rod 34. Rotational members 60 on anopposite rod 36 are then rotated into a position where they are not ableto disengage from the rod 36 due to the orientation of the correspondingflat portion 37 on that rod 36. While this engagement and disengagementsequence is illustrated with respect to the locking lid 50″ illustratedin FIGS. 10-14, it is contemplated that similar geometries of mountingrod 34, 36 and rotational member 60 are equally applicable to otherembodiments of lid described herein.

Storage Console Cover Having Locking Lid With Handle

With reference to FIG. 19, an embodiment of storage console cover 10″ isillustrated. The storage console cover 10″ has a base and a locking lidsubstantially as described above with respect to FIGS. 10-16. The lid ofthe storage console over 10″ can further comprise a handle portion 200configured to allow easy opening, removal, or replacement of the lid.

With continued reference to FIG. 19, the handle portion 200 can becoupled to an upper surface of the lid. The handle portion 200 caninclude a gently bowed surface extending between lateral edges of thelid and defining a recess or passage at each lateral edge of the lidbetween the handle portion 200 and the upper surface of the lid. A usercan grasp the handle portion 200 about the recess or passage at onelateral edge of the lid to raise one lateral edge of the lid to open thestorage console cover 10″. A user can likewise grasp the handle portion200 about the recess or passage at both lateral edges of the lid andremove the lid by pulling it vertically away from the base. A handle 200can be useful where the lid is relatively heavy. For example, it can bedesirable that a lid for a vehicle bed cargo box include a handle, as avehicle cargo box can be relatively large and constructed of a metallicmaterial. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 200 has replacedcontoured recesses in the base 30 and lid 50″, which can allow a user tograsp the lid. In other embodiments, a vehicle storage assembly caninclude both a handle 200 and contoured recesses.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certainpreferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof. In addition, while the number of variations of the inventionshave been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which arewithin the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to thoseof skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplatedthat various combinations or subcombinations of the specific featuresand aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within thescope of the inventions. Accordingly, it should be understood thatvarious features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can becombined with, or substituted for, one another in order to performvarying modes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that thescope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limitedby the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should bedetermined only by a fair reading of the claims.

1. A vehicle storage assembly, comprising: a base defining a storagespace, said base defining a first side and a second side; a firstengagement rod, said first engagement rod disposed along said first sideof said base and defining a generally cylindrical first pivot surfacedefining an axis and at least one release surface recessed from saidfirst pivot surface; a second engagement rod, said second engagement roddisposed along said second side of said base and defining a generallycylindrical second pivot surface defining an axis and at least onerelease surface recessed from said second pivot surface; a covercomprising: at least a first side and a second side, each of said firstside and said second side comprising at least one pivot defining agenerally cylindrical second pivot surface, each said pivot defining anopening which cooperates with said release surface of one of saidengagement rods to permit said engagement rod to disengage from saidpivot through said opening, so that said cover is disengagable from saidfirst side of said base through rotation about said axis of said firstengagement rod and disengagable from said second side of said basethrough rotation about said axis of said second pivot rod.
 2. Thevehicle storage assembly of claim 1, wherein said release surface isconfigured such that said engagement rod is disengageable through saidopening without bending said pivot.
 3. The vehicle storage assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said first side of said base and said second side ofsaid base are parallel.
 4. The vehicle storage assembly of claim 1,wherein said cover is disengagable simultaneously from said firstengagement rod and said second engagement rod.
 5. The assembly of claim1, wherein the cover has four sides.
 6. The vehicle storage assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the engagement rods are metal.
 7. The vehicle storageassembly of claim 1, wherein the engagement rods are disposed along foursides of the base.
 8. The vehicle storage assembly of claim 4, whereinthe cover comprises four sides, each side having a pivot.
 9. The vehiclestorage assembly of claim 7, wherein the first position is an openposition.
 10. The vehicle storage assembly of claim 7, wherein thesecond position is a closed position.
 11. The vehicle storage assemblyof claim 1, wherein the base is integrally formed with a vehicle.
 12. Astorage compartment comprising: a base comprising at least twoengagement rods; a cover comprising: a first latch configured toselectively engage one of the plurality of engagement rods; a firstguide linearly displaced from the first latch and configured torotatably couple to one of the plurality of engagement rods; a secondlatch configured to selectively engage another of the plurality ofengagement rods; a second guide linearly displaced from the second latchand configured to rotatably couple the other of the plurality ofengagement rods; and wherein each of the first and second guides definesan opening, said openings being configured to cooperate with saidengagement rods to permit said engagement rods to disengage from saidguides through said openings, so that said first guide is disengagablefrom said base through rotation of said second guide about thecorresponding engaged engagement rod and said second guide isdisengagable from said base through rotation about of said first guideabout the corresponding engaged engagement rod.
 13. The vehicle storageassembly of claim 12, wherein the cover has four sides.
 14. The vehiclestorage assembly of claim 12, wherein the engagement rods are metal. 15.The vehicle storage assembly of claim 12, wherein the engagement rodsare disposed along four sides of the base.
 16. The vehicle storageassembly of claim 15, wherein the cover comprises four sides, each sidehaving a release device.
 17. The vehicle storage assembly of claim 12,wherein the plurality of rotation members are adapted to decouple thecover from the engagement rods when the cover is in a first position.18. The vehicle storage assembly of claim 17, wherein the plurality ofrotation members are adapted to inhibit decoupling of the cover from theengagement rods when the cover is in a second position.
 19. The vehiclestorage assembly of claim 18, wherein the first position is an openposition.
 20. The vehicle storage assembly of claim 18, wherein thesecond position is a closed position.
 21. The vehicle storage assemblyof claim 12, wherein the base is integrally formed with a vehicle.